Water heater hi limit reset switch - broken?

[benjburton]

After a year and half of ownership and no electric water heater, I finally decided to troubleshoot. I was hoping I could get some advice, as I've been unable to find an answer searching the forum.

It turns out my hi limit reset switch (see photo for referenced switch) is permanently tripped. If I hold the reset switch down, I get power to the heating element. As soon as I let go of the reset switch, no power.

Would this indicate that the thermostat assembly, which appears to be connected by a single nut, simply needs replacing? Or could something more sinister be going on?

[Bill]

I don't think anything sinister is going on. First make sure that the water in the heater is relatively cool (less than 110 degrees). It won't reset if the water is already hot.

If that is the situation, my guess is that the thermal switch has failed, and you need to replace it. You'll need to find the manual for your heater, probably a Suburban model SW6DE, in your blue book or on-line. In the manual, find the parts diagram, then get the part number for the assembly. I don't know if you will be able to find this part anywhere other than direct from Suburban, but it is worth a try.

Bill

[benjburton]

Thank you for the advice.

Originally Posted by Bill

I don't think anything sinister is going on. First make sure that the water in the heater is relatively cool (less than 110 degrees). It won't reset if the water is already hot.

I'm not sure it it matters, but I did the test with an empty tank and the leads removed from the heating element. I tested it with water in the past, and no power got to the heating element then either. It was only this time that I realized electricity would pass through the thermostat if I continuously held down the reset button.

I'll report back once I replace the thermostat.

[benjburton]

So I replaced the thermostat, and everything works fine now. Pretty simple and inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1